Abstract: An apparatus (10, 110, 210) including a containment capsule (12, 112, 212) a support member (16, 116, 216) removably disposed within the capsule and carrying therein a solid state track recorder material (20, 120, 220) and a layer of fissile material (20, 120, 220), and means (52) on the exterior of the capsule adapted to be remotely grasped for positioning the capsule adjacent to the fuel. The capsule is lowered into close proximity to the fuel, and positioned at a predetermined location for a period of time between about one hour and one day. The capsule is withdrawn from the fuel, the support member and recording member are withdrawn from the capsule, and the recording member is processed to reveal the fission track density, which is readily correlated to fuel burnup.

Abstract: An apparatus for forcefully feeding cabling in an underwater environment into a container includes a gripper block positionable above the container and an air cylinder for reciprocating the gripper block vertically. Jaws on the gripper block are pivoted to grasp the cabling when the gripper block is reciprocated downwardly but to release the cabling when the block is reciprocated upwardly. This permits forceful feeding of the cabling by mere reciprocation of the gripper block.